Gaming machine, playing method thereof and gaming system

ABSTRACT

When a wager relating to an amount of money of a part of game media consumed every unit game in each gaming machine reaches a predetermined amount, a bonus game start signal is received from a host computer. Each gaming machine executes a bonus game and a predetermined amount of wager is distributed based on a result of the bonus game, so that an incentive signal determining an incentive, which is awarded to each gaming machine, is received from the host computer, thereby awarding an incentive.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims all benefits of Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-288376 filed on Oct. 24, 2006 in the Japan Patent Office, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a gaming machine, a playing method thereof and a gaming system.

2. Description of Related Art

In a conventional gaming machine, when a player inserts a game medium such as coin or bill into an insertion slot of the gaming machine and pushes a spin button, symbols are scroll-displayed in a display mounted on a front of a cabinet and the symbols are then stopped automatically.

In such gaming machine, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,604,999 B2 or U.S. Patent No. 2002065124A1, for example, when the symbols stopped on a winning line constitute a predetermined combination, the predetermined number of game media are paid out. In addition, when a certain symbol referred to as scatter symbol is displayed on the display, the predetermined number of game media are paid out in accordance with the number of scatter symbols displayed, irrespective of the winning line. A plurality of the gaming machines are equipped in an arcade such as casino. U.S. Pat. No. 6,988,267B2 discloses a system that connects the gaming machines in a network manner to transmit an image to each of the gaming machines from a central system.

However, the gaming machine disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,604,999B2 or 2002065124A1, awards a win, i.e., pays out the game media depending on a combination of the symbols on a payline or the number of the scatter symbols displayed in the display, and is only an apparatus for executing such a game. In addition, according to U.S. Pat. No. 6,988,267B2, the gaming machines are connected in a network manner, so that an image is transmitted to each gaming machine. However, it is substantially same as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,604,999B2 or 2002065124A1, in that a game is executed in a relation of player-to-gaming machine. Therefore, the player cannot secure a win from the other gaming machines, except the gaming machine with which the player plays the game.

The invention provides a gaming machine having a new entertainment characteristic, a playing method thereof and a gaming system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A gaming machine of the invention comprises a display that arranges a plurality of symbols; a communication device that is connected to a host computer in a data communication manner; and a game controller programmed to operate as described in steps of (a)˜(h). The game controller is programmed (a) to consume a game medium to execute a unit game; (b) to rearrange the symbols every unit game; (c) to award a prize based on a relation of the symbols rearranged; (d) to receive a bonus game start signal from the host computer through the communication device when a predetermined condition is fulfilled; (e) to execute a bonus game programmed in the host computer so that each gaming machine competes with each other; (f) to transmit a result of the bonus game to the host computer through the communication device; (g) to receive an incentive signal about an incentive from the host computer through the communication device, the incentive signal determining the incentive that is awarded to each gaming machine, based on the result of the bonus game in each gaming machine; and (h) to award an incentive relating to the incentive signal.

According to the above structure, when a predetermined condition is fulfilled, a bonus game start signal is received from a host computer and a bonus game is executed so that each gaming machine competes with each other. A result of the bonus game is transmitted to the host computer and an incentive signal relating to an incentive is received from the host computer, so that an incentive relating to the incentive signal is awarded. Thereby, a player is provided with a new game having a chance to secure an incentive, from the gaming machines in addition to the gaming machine with which the player plays a game. As a result, the player is enabled to have a more interest or concern in or about the gaming machine.

In addition, a gaming machine of the invention comprises a display that arranges a plurality of symbols; a communication device that is connected to a host computer in a data communication manner; and a game controller programmed to operate as described in steps of (a)˜(i). The game controller is programmed (a) to consume game media to execute a unit game; (b) to rearrange the symbols every unit game; (c) to award a prize based on a relation of the symbols rearranged; (d) to transmit a wager signal to the host computer through the communication device, the wager signal relating to an amount of money of a part of the game media consumed in the unit game; (e) to receive a bonus game start signal from the host computer through the communication device when a total amount of summed wager relating to the wager signal transmitted to the host computer reaches a predetermined amount; (f) to execute a bonus game programmed in the host computer so that each gaming machine competes with each other; (g) to transmit a result of the bonus game to the host computer through the communication device; (h) to receive an incentive signal about an incentive from the host computer through the communication device, the incentive signal determining the incentive that is awarded to each gaming machine by distributing the predetermined amount of wager, based on the result of the bonus game in each gaming machine; and (i) to award an incentive relating to the incentive signal.

According to the above structure, when a wager signal relating to an amount of money of a part of game media consumed in a unit game is transmitted to a host computer and a total amount of summed wager relating to the wager signal transmitted to the host computer reaches a predetermined amount, a bonus game start signal is received from the host computer and a bonus game is executed so that each gaming machine competes with each other. A result of the bonus game is transmitted to the host computer and an incentive signal relating to an incentive having the predetermined amount of wager distributed is received from the host computer, so that an incentive relating to the incentive signal is awarded. Thereby, a player is provided with a new game having a chance to secure an incentive, from the gaming machines in addition to the gaming machine with which the player plays a game. As a result, the player is enabled to have a more interest or concern in or about the gaming machine.

In addition, a gaming machine of the invention comprises a display that arranges a plurality of symbols and displays an image; a communication device that is connected to a host computer in a data communication manner; and a game controller programmed to operate as described in steps of (a)˜(h). The game controller is programmed (a) to consume a game medium to execute a unit game; (b) to rearrange the symbols every unit game; (c) to award a prize based on a relation of the symbols rearranged; (d) to receive a bonus game start signal from the host computer through the communication device when a predetermined condition is fulfilled; (e) to execute a bonus game programmed in the host computer so that each gaming machine competes with each other on an image displayed in each display; (f) to transmit a result of the bonus game to the host computer; (g) to receive an incentive signal about an incentive from the host computer through the communication device, the incentive signal determining the incentive that is awarded to each gaming machine, based on the result of the bonus game in each gaming machine; and (h) to award an incentive relating to the incentive signal.

According to the above structure, when a predetermined condition is fulfilled, a bonus game start signal is received from a host computer and a bonus game is executed so that each gaming machine competes with each other on an image displayed in each display. A result of the bonus game is transmitted to the host computer and an incentive signal relating to an incentive is received from the host computer, so that an incentive relating to the incentive signal is awarded. Thereby, a player can see an image of the competition with the other gaming machines, so that the player has a more interest or concern about the gaming machine. In addition, the player is provided with a new game having a chance to secure an incentive, from the gaming machines in addition to the gaming machine with which the player plays a game. As a result, the player is enabled to have a more interest or concern in or about the gaming machine.

In addition, a gaming machine of the invention comprises a display that arranges a plurality of symbols and displays an image; a communication device that is connected to a host computer in a data communication manner; and a game controller programmed to operate as described in steps of (a)˜(i). The game controller is programmed (a) to consume game media to execute a unit game; (b) to rearrange the symbols every unit game; (c) to award a prize based on a relation of the symbols rearranged; (d) to transmit a wager signal to the host computer through the communication device, the wager signal relating to an amount of money of a part of the game media consumed in the unit game; (e) to receive a bonus game start signal from the host computer through the communication device when a total amount of summed wager relating to the wager signal transmitted to the host computer reaches a predetermined amount; (f) to execute a bonus game programmed in the host computer so that each gaming machine competes with each other on an image displayed in each display; (g) to transmit a result of the bonus game to the host computer through the communication device; (h) to receive an incentive signal about an incentive from the host computer through the communication device, the incentive signal determining the incentive that is awarded to each gaming machine by distributing the predetermined amount of wager, based on the result of the bonus game in each gaming machine; and (i) to award an incentive relating to the incentive signal.

According to the above structure, when a wager signal relating to an amount of money of a part of game media consumed in a unit game is transmitted to a host computer and a total amount of summed wager relating to the wager signal transmitted to the host computer reaches a predetermined amount, a bonus game start signal is received from the host computer and a bonus game is executed so that each gaming machine competes with each other on an image displayed in each display. A result of the bonus game is transmitted to the host computer and an incentive signal relating to an incentive having the predetermined amount of wager distributed is received from the host computer, so that an incentive relating to the incentive signal is awarded. Thereby, a player can see an image of the competition with the other gaming machines, so that the player has a more interest or concern about the gaming machine. In addition, the player is provided with a new game having a chance to secure an incentive, from the gaming machines in addition to the gaming machine with which the player plays a game. As a result, the player is enabled to have a more interest or concern in or about the gaming machine.

According to the invention, there is provided a playing method of a gaming machine that arranges a plurality of symbols in a display and is connected to a host computer through a communication device in a data communication manner, which method comprises the steps of: (a) consuming a game medium to execute a unit game; (b) rearranging the symbols every unit game; (c) awarding a prize based on a relation of the symbols rearranged; (d) receiving a bonus game start signal from the host computer when a predetermined condition is fulfilled; (e) executing a bonus game programmed in the host computer so that each gaming machine competes with each other; (f) transmitting a result of the bonus game to the host computer; (g) receiving an incentive signal about an incentive from the host computer through the communication device, the incentive signal determining the incentive that is awarded to each gaming machine, based on the result of the bonus game in each gaming machine; and (h) awarding an incentive relating to the incentive signal.

According to the above structure, when a predetermined condition is fulfilled, a bonus game start signal is received from a host computer and a bonus game is executed so that each gaming machine competes with each other. A result of the bonus game is transmitted to the host computer and an incentive signal relating to an incentive is received from the host computer, so that an incentive relating to the incentive signal is awarded. Thereby, a player is provided with a new game having a chance to secure an incentive, from the gaming machines in addition to the gaming machine with which the player plays a game. As a result, the player is enabled to have a more interest or concern in or about the gaming machine.

In addition, according to the invention, there is provided a playing method of a gaming machine that arranges a plurality of symbols in a display and is connected to a host computer through a communication device in a data communication manner, which method comprises the steps of (a) consuming game media to execute a unit game; (b) rearranging the symbols every unit game; (c) awarding a prize based on a relation of the symbols rearranged; (d) transmitting a wager signal to the host computer through the communication device, the wager signal relating to an amount of money of a part of the game media consumed in the unit game; (e) receiving a bonus game start signal from the host computer through the communication device when a total amount of summed wager relating to the wager signal transmitted to the host computer reaches a predetermined amount; (f) executing a bonus game programmed in the host computer so that each gaming machine competes with each other; (g) transmitting a result of the bonus game to the host computer through the communication device; (h) receiving an incentive signal about an incentive from the host computer through the communication device, the incentive signal determining the incentive that is awarded to each gaming machine by distributing the predetermined amount of wager, based on the result of the bonus game in each gaming machine; and (i) awarding an incentive relating to the incentive signal.

According to the above structure, when a wager signal relating to an amount of money of a part of game media consumed in a unit game is transmitted to a host computer and a total amount of summed wager relating to the wager signal transmitted to the host computer reaches a predetermined amount, a bonus game start signal is received from the host computer and a bonus game is executed so that each gaming machine competes with each other. A result of the bonus game is transmitted to the host computer and an incentive signal relating to an incentive having the predetermined amount of wager distributed is received from the host computer, so that an incentive relating to the incentive signal is awarded. Thereby, a player is provided with a new game having a chance to secure an incentive, from the gaming machines in addition to the gaming machine with which the player plays a game. As a result, the player is enabled to have a more interest or concern in or about the gaming machine.

In addition, according to the invention, there is provided a playing method of a gaming machine that arranges a plurality of symbols in a display and is connected to a host computer through a communication device in a data communication manner, which method comprises the steps of: (a) consuming a game medium to execute a unit game; (b) rearranging the symbols every unit game; (c) awarding a prize based on a relation of the symbols rearranged; (d) receiving a bonus game start signal from the host computer through the communication device when a predetermined condition is fulfilled; (e) executing a bonus game programmed in the host computer so that each gaming machine competes with each other on an image displayed in each display; (f) transmitting a result of the bonus game to the host computer; (g) receiving an incentive signal about an incentive from the host computer through the communication device, the incentive signal determining the incentive that is awarded to each gaming machine, based on the result of the bonus game in each gaming machine; and (h) awarding an incentive relating to the incentive signal.

According to the above structure, when a predetermined condition is fulfilled, a bonus game start signal is received from a host computer and a bonus game is executed so that each gaming machine competes with each other on an image displayed in each display. A result of the bonus game is transmitted to the host computer and an incentive signal relating to an incentive is received from the host computer, so that an incentive relating to the incentive signal is awarded. Thereby, a player can see an image of the competition with the other gaming machines, so that the player has a more interest or concern about the gaming machine. In addition, the player is provided with a new game having a chance to secure an incentive, from the gaming machines in addition to the gaming machine with which the player plays a game. As a result, the player is enabled to have a more interest or concern in or about the gaming machine.

In addition, according to the invention, there is provided a playing method of a gaming machine that arranges a plurality of symbols in a display and is connected to a host computer through a communication device in a data communication manner, which method comprises the steps of (a) consuming game media to execute a unit game; (b) rearranging the symbols every unit game; (c) awarding a prize based on a relation of the symbols rearranged; (d) transmitting a wager signal to the host computer through the communication device, the wager signal relating to an amount of money of a part of the game media consumed in the unit game; (e) receiving a bonus game start signal from the host computer through the communication device when a total amount of summed wager relating to the wager signal transmitted to the host computer reaches a predetermined amount; (f) executing a bonus game programmed in the host computer so that each gaming machine competes with each other on an image displayed in each display; (g) transmitting a result of the bonus game to the host computer through the communication device; (h) receiving an incentive signal about an incentive from the host computer through the communication device, the incentive signal determining the incentive that is awarded to each gaming machine by distributing the predetermined amount of wager, based on the result of the bonus game in each gaming machine; and (i) awarding an incentive relating to the incentive signal.

According to the above structure, when a wager signal relating to an amount of money of a part of game media consumed in a unit game is transmitted to a host computer and a total amount of summed wager relating to the wager signal transmitted to the host computer reaches a predetermined amount, a bonus game start signal is received from the host computer and a bonus game is executed so that each gaming machine competes with each other on an image displayed in each display. A result of the bonus game is transmitted to the host computer and an incentive signal relating to an incentive having the predetermined amount of wager distributed is received from the host computer, so that an incentive relating to the incentive signal is awarded. Thereby, a player can see an image of the competition with the other gaming machines, so that the player has a more interest or concern about the gaming machine. In addition, the player is provided with a new game having a chance to secure an incentive, from the gaming machines in addition to the gaming machine with which the player plays a game. As a result, the player is enabled to have a more interest or concern in or about the gaming machine.

A gaming system of the invention comprises any gaming machine described above and a host computer that is connected to the gaming machine in a data communication manner.

According to the above structure, when a wager signal relating to an amount of money of a part of game media consumed in a unit game is transmitted to a host computer and a total amount of summed wager relating to the wager signal transmitted to the host computer reaches a predetermined amount, a bonus game start signal is received from the host computer and a bonus game is executed so that each gaming machine competes with each other on an image displayed in each display. A result of the bonus game is transmitted to the host computer and an incentive signal relating to an incentive having the predetermined amount of wager distributed is received from the host computer, so that an incentive relating to the incentive signal is awarded. Thereby, a player can see an image of the competition with the other gaming machines, so that the player has a more interest or concern about the gaming machine. In addition, the player is provided with a new game having a chance to secure an incentive, from the gaming machines in addition to the gaming machine with which the player plays a game. As a result, the player is enabled to have a more interest or concern in or about the gaming machine.

According to the above structures, it is provided a gaming machine having an entertainment characteristic, which is not provided to the prior art, and a playing method thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other and further objects, features and advantages of the invention will appear more fully from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a playing method of a gaming machine;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a gaming machine;

FIG. 3 illustrates a display screen;

FIG. 4 shows symbols and code numbers thereof;

FIG. 5 illustrates a relation of gaming machines and a host computer;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a gaming machine;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of a gaming machine;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of a host computer;

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing processes of a gaming machine and a host computer;

FIG. 10 a flow chart of a game executing process;

FIG. 11 is a flow chart of a bonus game executing process;

FIG. 12 is a flow chart of a total wager amount calculating process; and

FIG. 13 is a flow chart of a bonus game process.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

It will be described embodiments of a gaming machine, a playing method thereof and a gaming system according to the invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, a gaming machine 10 executes a playing method comprising a step of consuming game media to execute a unit game in which symbols 180 are arranged in a display and transmitting a wager signal to a host computer 200, the wager signal relating to an amount of money of a part of the game media consumed in the unit game; a step of receiving a bonus game start signal when a total amount of summed wager relating to the wager signal reaches a predetermined amount, and executing a bonus game in which it competes with the other gaming machines 10; and a step of awarding an incentive, based on a result of the bonus game.

In addition, the gaming machine 10 executes a playing method comprising the steps of rearranging the symbols 180 every unit game, and awarding a prize, based on a relation of the symbols 180 rearranged.

Herein, the “arrangement” means a state in which the symbols 180 are allowed to be visible with naked eyes of an exterior player. In other words, in FIG. 3(a), the symbols 180 are under state of being displayed in the display windows 15L, 15C, 15R. In the mean time, the “rearrangement” means arranging the symbols 180 again after dismissing the arrangement of the symbols 180.

As shown in FIG. 2, the gaming machine executing the above playing method is provided with a display unit 101 (display), a communication unit (communication device) 150 and a controller 100. The display unit 101 is configured to arrange the symbols 180.

(Display Unit 101)

The display unit 101 may be a mechanical structure with a reel device for arranging the symbols 180 by rotation of a reel or electrical structure with a video reel on which an image is displayed for arranging the symbols. Further, the display unit 101 may be a structure of combining a mechanical structure (reel) and an electrical structure (video reel). The electrical structure may include a liquid crystal device, a CRT (cathode-ray tube), a plasma display and the like. A detailed structure of the display unit 101 will be described later.

(Communication Unit 150)

The communication unit 150 enables a data signal to be transmitted/received between the controller 100 and the host computer 200.

(Controller 100)

The controller 100 is structured to execute a first process of consuming a game medium to execute a unit game, a second process of rearranging the symbols 180 every unit game, a third process of awarding a prize based on a relation of the symbols 180 rearranged, a fourth process of receiving a bonus game start signal from the host computer 200, a fifth process of executing a bonus game programmed in the host computer 200, a sixth process of transmitting a result of the bonus game to the host computer 200, a seventh process of receiving an incentive signal from the host computer 200, and a eighth process of awarding an incentive relating to the incentive signal. In other words, the controller 100 has a first processing unit, a second processing unit, a third processing unit, a fourth processing unit, a fifth processing unit, a sixth processing unit, a seventh processing unit and a eighth processing unit.

In addition, the controller 100 is structured to execute a ninth process of transmitting to the host computer 200 a wager signal about an amount of money of a part of the game media consumed in the unit game. In other words, the controller 100 has a ninth processing unit, in addition to the first to eight processing units.

The controller 100 comprises a symbol memory 108 for storing all symbols and a display symbol memory 107 for storing the symbols in the symbol memory 108 as a display symbol. The display symbol memory 107 can be accessed by a display control unit 102. The display control unit 102 reads out the symbol in the display symbol memory 107 under control of a game executing unit 110 and displays the symbols in a display unit 101. A detailed display state will be described later.

In addition, the controller 100 comprises a wager calculating unit 115 that calculates a wager about a part of the game media consumed every unit game, a wager signal transmit unit 116 that transmits to the host computer 200 a wager signal relating to the wager calculated by the wager calculating unit 115, a bonus game start signal receiving unit 117 that receives a bonus game start signal from the host computer 200 and a bonus game executing unit 119 that executes a bonus game, based on the bonus game start signal received from the host computer 200. The display unit 101 displays an image of a bonus game in which a gaming machine competes with the other gaming machines, under control of the bonus game executing unit 119. A detailed display state will be described later.

In addition, the controller 100 comprises a game result signal transmit unit 118 that transmits a result of the bonus game, an incentive signal receiving unit 120 that receives from the host computer 200 an incentive signal relating to an incentive to be awarded on the basis of a result of the bonus game, and an incentive award unit 121 that awards an incentive based on an incentive signal received by the incentive signal receiving unit 120.

Further, the controller 100 is connected to a game start unit 109. The game start unit 109 has a function of outputting a game start signal in accordance with an operation of a player. The controller 100 comprises a game executing unit 110 for rearranging the symbols 180 with a game start signal, as trigger, from the game start unit 109, a combination prize determining unit 111 for determining a prize determined by a combination of the symbols 180 rearranged in a unit game, and a prize award unit 113 for awarding the respective prizes determined in the combination prize determining unit 111.

In the mean time, each block of the controller 100 may be structured with a hardware or software, as required.

(Host Computer 200)

As shown in FIG. 2, the host computer 200 comprises a wager signal receiving unit 211 that receives a wager signal from the wager signal transmit unit 116 of the controller 100, a total wager amount calculating unit 212 that sums up the wager signal received from the wager signal receiving unit 211 to calculate a total amount, a bonus game start determining unit 213 that determines a start of a bonus game when a total amount of wager calculated by the total wager amount calculating unit 212 reaches a predetermined amount, and a bonus game start signal transmit unit 214 that transmits a bonus game start signal to the controller 100 when the bonus game start determining unit 213 determines a start of a bonus game.

In addition, the host computer 200 comprises a game result signal receiving unit 215 that receives a game result signal from the game result signal transmit unit 118 of the controller 100, an incentive determining unit 216 that determines an incentive based on a game result received by the game result signal receiving unit 215 and an incentive signal transmit unit 217 that transmits an incentive determined by the incentive determining unit 216 to the controller 100.

Like this, when a total amount of summed wager relating to an amount of money of a part of the game media consumed in the unit game reaches a predetermined amount, each gaming machine executes a bonus game in which it competes with the other gaming machines on an image displayed in each display, and is provided with an incentive based on a result thereof. Thereby, it is possible to enable to a player to see an image of the competition with the other gaming machines, so that the player has a more interest or concern in or about the gaming machine.

In addition, since it is possible to provide a new game in which an incentive chance may be provided based on the game media consumed in the unit game of the gaming machines with which the player does not play a game as well as the gaming machine with which the player plays a game, the player has a more interest or concern in or about the gaming machine.

(Operation of the Controller 100)

Hereinafter, the operation of the controller 100 will be described. First, the symbols 180 are arranged in a 3 columns/3 rows matrix type in the display unit 101. When the game executing unit 110 executes a unit game by an operation of the game start unit 109 (first process), the symbols 180 are rearranged (second process). At this time, a prize is awarded based on the symbols 180 rearranged (third process). In addition, a wager relating to an amount of money of a part of the game media consumed in the unit game is calculated and a wager signal is transmitted to the host computer 200 (ninth process).

A bonus game start signal is received from the host computer 200 (fourth process) to execute a bonus game programmed in the host computer 200 (fifth process).

Then, a result of the bonus game is transmitted to the host computer 200 (sixth process) and an incentive signal is received from the host computer 200 (seventh process). Then, an incentive relating to the incentive signal is awarded (eighth process).

As can be seen from the above operation, the gaming machine 10, as also shown in FIG. 1, realizes a playing method of consuming the game media to execute a unit game in which the symbols 180 are displayed in the display, transmitting to the host computer 200 a wager signal relating to an amount of money of a part of the game media consumed in the unit game, receiving a bonus game signal to execute a bonus game in which the gaming machine competes with the other gaming machines when the total amount of the summed wager relating to the wager signal reaches a predetermined of amount, and awarding an incentive based on a result of the bonus game. In addition, the gaming machine 10 realizes a playing method of rearranging the symbols 180 every slot unit game and awarding a prize based on a relation of the symbols 180 rearranged.

(Display State)

It will be specifically described an example of a display state of the display unit 101, with respect to the operation processes of the gaming machine 10 and the playing method. In the mean time, as shown in FIG. 3(a), the display state will be described with reference to a structure in which the display unit 101 arranges the symbols in a mechanical reel manner.

As shown in FIG. 3(a), the display unit 101 has display windows 15L, 15C, 15R as an arrangement area for arranging the symbols 180 in the unit game. The display windows 15L, 15C, 15R are arranged in a central part of the display unit 101. In the display windows 15L, 15C, 15R, reels 14L, 14C, 14R, on which symbol columns consisting of the symbols 180 are depicted, rotation-displayed. In addition, each of the display windows 15L, 15C, 15R is divided into upper, center and lower stages 15 a, 15 b, 15 c. Each of the symbols is stopped (arranged) in the respective stages 15 a, 15 b, 15 c. For example, in FIG. 3, “PLUM” is stopped in the upper stage 15 a of the display window 15L, “ORANGE” is stopped in the center stage 15 b of the display window 15L and “PLUM” is stopped in the lower stage 15 c of the display window 15L. As a result, the display windows 15L, 15C, 15R display a symbol matrix consisting of 3 columns and 3 rows. In the mean time, the symbol matrix is not limited to 3 columns/3 rows.

In addition, a payline L is provided to horizontally traverse the center stages 15 b of each of the display windows 15L, 15C, 15R. The payline L is provided to determine a combination of the symbols 180. In other words, when the symbols 180 are arranged on and out of the payline L, a combination is determined only for the symbols 180 rearranged on the payline L. As a determination of the combination, when a winning combination is made, a process of paying out a coin based on the winning combination is carried out, for example.

In the mean time, in this embodiment, the payline L is provided and a process is carried out which pays out a coin when the symbols stopped on the payline L constitute a predetermined combination, for example. However, a process may be carried out which pays out a coin when the predetermined number of symbols referred to as scatter symbol is displayed in the display unit 101, irrespective of the payline L.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 3(b), in the bonus game, the display unit 101 displays an image depicting that a player of the gaming machine plays a running game. When a bonus game is executed, the players of the respective gaming machines repeatedly hit a spin button 23 to perform a running game, thereby competing with each other. Then, an incentive is awarded to each gaming machine 10, depending on ranks of the competition result.

Further, the bonus game is not particularly limited as long as the players of the respective gaming machines compete with each other. For example, when there are two gaming machines for performing the bonus game, a fight game may be possible. In addition, a game for putting a glass bead and a trump game may be exemplified as a bonus game.

(Symbol, Combination and the Like)

As shown in FIG. 4, in a unit game, 22 symbols constituting a symbol column are depicted on each outer periphery of the left reel 14L, the center reel 14C and the right reel 15R. The symbols constituting the respective columns of symbols are given with one code number of 0˜21. Each of the columns of symbols is constituted with a combination of symbols of “JACKPOT 7,” “BLUE 7,” “BELL,” “CHERRY,” “STRAWBERRY,” “PLUM,” “ORANGE” and “APPLE.”

The three successive symbols in the columns of symbols are displayed (arranged) in the upper, center and lower stages 15 a, 15 b, 15 c of the respective display windows 15L, 15C, 15R, respectively, thereby constituting a symbol matrix of 3 columns/3 rows. When a 1-BET button 26 or MAX-BET button 27 is pushed and then a spin button 23 is pushed to start a game, the symbol columns depicted on the respective reels 14 are scroll-displayed in a downward direction in the display windows 15 as the reels 14 are rotated. After a predetermined time period has lapsed, the symbols are stopped (rearranged) in the display windows 15 as the rotation of the reels 14 is stopped.

In addition, various winning combinations are predetermined with regard to the respective symbols. The winning combination is a combination that a combination of symbols stopped on the payline L becomes an advantageous state to the player. The advantageous state is a state in which a coin is paid out in accordance with the winning combination, the prize-number of coins is added to the game media, a bonus game is started, and the like.

Specifically, when a combination of “APPLE” symbol is stopped on the payline L, a bonus is triggered and a gaming state is shifted to a free game from a unit game. In addition, when a symbol of “CHERRY” is stopped on the payline L, 20 coins (game medium) are paid out per one bet. When a symbol of “PLUM” is stopped on the payline L, 5 coins are paid out per one bet.

In the mean time, a free game is a gaming state that is more advantageous than a unit game. The free game is a gaming state allowing a player to play a game for a predetermined number of times, without betting a coin. The free game is not particularly limited as long as it is a gaming state advantageous to the player, i.e., it is more advantageous than the unit game. For example, the free game may include a state in which it is possible to obtain more game media than the unit game, a state in which it is possible to obtain a game medium in a higher probability than in the unit game, a state in which the game media are less consumed than in the unit game, and the like.

(Mechanical Structure of the Gaming Machine 10)

In the followings, it will be described an example of the gaming machine structured in a mechanical and electrical manner.

As shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of the gaming machines 10 are provided in a game arcade. Each of the gaming machines 10 is connected to the host computer through an internet communication network 300, in a communication manner.

The gaming machine 10 executes a unit game by using a game medium. The game medium is a coin, bill or electronic negotiable information corresponding to them. Meanwhile, in the invention, the game medium is not particularly limited. For example, a medal, token, electronic money, ticket and the like can be used. The ticket is not particularly limited and may be a ticket with a barcode which will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 6, The gaming machine 10 comprises a cabinet 11, a top box 12 provided to an upper part of the cabinet 11 and a main door 13 provided to a front of the cabinet 11. Three reels 14 (14L, 14C, 14R) are provided to be rotatable in the cabinet 11. The symbol columns consisting of 22 symbols are depicted on the outer peripheries of the respective reels 14.

A lower image display panel 16 is provided to the front of the reels 14 in the main door 13. The lower image display panel 16 has a transparent liquid crystal panel for display the various information and displays the various information or effect images relating to a game during the game.

At a center of the lower image display panel 16 are formed three display windows 15 (15L, 15C, 15R) enabling the back surface thereof to be seen. Three symbols depicted on the outer peripheries of the reels 14 are displayed through the respective display windows 15. One activated payline L that horizontally traverses the three display windows 15 is displayed in the lower image display panel 16. The payline L is set to horizontally traverse the center stages 15 b of the display windows 15L, 15C, 15R. In addition, in this embodiment, the payline L horizontally traverses the center states 15 b of the display windows 15L, 15C, 15R. However, the payline L may traverse the other stages of the display windows 15L, 15C, 15R. For example, the payline L may traverse the upper stages 15 a or lower stages 15 c of the display windows 15L, 15C, 15R. In addition, the payline L may traverse the lower stage 15 c of the display window 15L, the center stage 15 b of the display window 15C and the upper stage 15 a of the display window 15R. Further, the payline L may 2 or more. When two or more paylines L are provided, all paylines L may be activated, and the number of paylines L relating to a predetermined condition such as bet-number of coins may be activated.

In addition, in this embodiment, the reels 14 having the symbols depicted on the outer peripheries thereof are rotated and stopped, thereby displaying the symbols beyond the display windows 15. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the symbols of 3 columns/3 rows may be displayed as an image using the lower image display panel 16.

In the mean time, a game medium display unit and a prize-number display unit may be displayed in the lower image display panel 16. The game medium display unit displays a total number that the gaming machine 10 can pay out to a player (which will be referred to as total game medium-number). The prize-number display unit displays the number of coins to be paid out when a combination of symbols stopped on the payline L is a winning combination.

A touch panel 69 is provided to a front surface of the lower image display panel 16. The touch panel 69 has several contact points in a matrix form of longitudinal and transverse directions and allows position information, which indicates longitudinal and transverse positions of the pressed contact points, to be outputted as a command signal. In the mean time, the touch panel 69 may be a touch panel adopted in a mobile terminal or ATM of a bank.

A control panel 20, a coin receiving slot 21 and a bill validator 22 are provided below the lower image display panel 16. The control panel 20 is provided with several buttons 23˜27. The buttons 23˜27 allow instructions, which are related to a game progress by a player, to be inputted. The coin receiving slot 21 enables a coin to be received in the cabinet 11.

The control panel 20 is provided with a spin button 23, a change button 24, a cash out button 25, a 1-BET button 26 and a MAX-BET button 27. The spin button 23 is a button for inputting an instruction to start the rotation of the reels 14. The change button 24 is a button to be used when a player asks a staff in the game arcade for exchange of money. The cash out button 25 is a button for inputting an instruction to pay out the coins of total game medium-number into a coin tray 18.

The 1-BET button 26 is a button for inputting an instruction to bet one coin, among coins of the total game medium-number, per one game. The MAX-BET button 27 is a button for inputting an instruction to bet maximum coins (for example, 50 coins), among coins of the total game medium-number, per one game.

The bill validator 22 validates whether bill is normal or not and receives the normal bill into the cabinet 11. In addition, the bill validator 22 can read a ticket 39 having a barcode which will be described later. When the bill validator 22 reads the ticket 39 having a barcode, it outputs a reading signal relating to the read content to a main CPU 41.

A belly glass 34 is provided to a lower frontal surface of the main door 13, i.e., below the control panel 20. A character of the gaming machine 10 and the like are drawn on the belly glass 34. An upper image display panel 33 is mounted to a front of the top box 12. The upper image display panel 33 has a liquid crystal panel and displays, for example, an effect image and an image indicating an introduction of a game content and an explanation of a game rule.

To the top box 12 is mounted a speaker 29 for outputting voice. A ticket printer 35, a card reader 36, a data displayer 37 and a keypad 38 are provided below the upper image display panel 33. The ticket printer 35 prints a barcode having data encoded thereto, such as game medium-number, date and time, identification number of the gaming machine 10 and the like, onto a ticket, thereby outputting the ticket 39 having the barcode. The player can play a game in another gaming machine with the ticket 39 having a barcode and exchange the ticket 39 having a barcode with bill in a change booth of the game arcade.

The card reader 36 reads and writes the data from and into a smart card. The smart card is a card carried by a player, into which data for identifying the player and data relating to a game history of the player are memorized.

The data displayer 37 consists of a fluorescent display and the like, and displays the data read by the card reader 36 and the data inputted by the player through the keypad 38. The keypad 38 inputs instructions or data relating to a ticket issue.

(Electrical Structure of the Gaming Machine 10)

A control unit having the controller 100 shown in FIG. 2 is mounted in the cabinet 11. As shown in FIG. 7, the control unit comprises a motherboard 40, a main body PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 60, a gaming board 50, a sub CPU 61, a door PCB 80, and various switches and sensors.

The gaming board 50 is provided with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 51, a ROM 55 and a boot ROM 52 which are connected to each other by an internal bus, a card slot 53S corresponding to a memory card 53 and an IC socket 54S corresponding to a GAL (Generic Array Logic) 54.

The memory card 53 stores a game program and a game system program therein. The game program includes a bonus program. The bonus program is a program that receives a bonus game start signal from the host computer 200, thereby executing a bonus game.

Further, the memory card 53 stores various data used for the game program and the game system program. Specifically, the data representing a relation between the symbols 180 to be displayed in the display windows 15L, 15C, 15R and the code numbers is stored in a data table form shown in FIG. 4. In the mean time, these data are transmitted to a RAM 43 of the motherboard 40 when executing the game program.

In addition, the card slot 53S is structured to insert and remove the memory card 53 and connected to the motherboard 40 through an IDE bus. Accordingly, it is possible to change a type or content of a game to be executed in the gaming machine, by removing the memory card 53 from the card slot 53S, writing another game program and game system program in the memory card 53 and inserting the memory card 53 into the card slot 53S.

The game program includes a program relating to a game progress and a program for shifting a gaming state into a free game.

The GAL 54 is provided with several input and output ports. When the data is inputted into the input ports, the GAL 54 outputs data corresponding to the inputted data from the output ports.

The IC socket 54S is structured to attach and detach the GAL 54. The IC socket 54S is connected to the motherboard 40 through a PCI bus. Accordingly, it is possible to change the data for setting a prize rate which is outputted from the GAL 54, by detaching the GAL 54 from the IC socket 54S, rewriting the program stored in the GAL 54 and then attaching the GAL 54 to the IC socket 54S.

The CPU 51, the ROM 55 and the boot ROM 52, which are connected to each other by the internal bus, are connected to the motherboard 40 through the PCI bus. The PCI bus carries out a signal transfer between the motherboard 40 and the gaming board 50 and supplies power to the gaming board 50 from the motherboard 40. The ROM 55 stores nation identification information and an authentication program. The boot ROM 52 stores a preliminary authentication program and a program (boot code) enabling the CPU 51 to execute the preliminary authentication program.

The authentication program is a program (falsification check program) for authenticating the game program and the game system program. The authentication program is a program for confirming and verifying that the game program and the game system program are not falsified. In other words, the authentication program is described in accordance with a procedure for authenticating the game program and the game system program. The preliminary authentication program is a program for authenticating the authentication program. The preliminary authentication program is described in accordance with a procedure for verifying that the authentication to be authenticated is not falsified, i.e., for authenticating the authentication program.

The motherboard 40 is provided with a main CPU 41 (controller), a ROM (Read Only Memory) 42, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 43 and a communication interface 44.

The main CPU 41 has functions of a controller for controlling the whole gaming machine 10. In particular, the main CPU 41 carries out a control for outputting a command signal enabling the sub CPU 61 to rotate the reels 14 when the spin button 23 is pushed after the game medium is bet, a control for determining symbols to be stopped after the reels 14 are rotated and a control for stopping the determined symbols in the display windows 15L, 15C, 15R.

In other words, the main CPU 41 has functions of an arrangement controller for selecting and determining arrangement symbols with regard to a symbol matrix from the plural types of symbols so as to rearrange them, as a new symbol matrix after scrolling the plural symbols to be displayed in the lower image display panel 16, and executing an arrangement control which will be stopped at the determined symbol matrix from the scroll state.

In addition, the main CPU 41 has functions of the controller 100 executing a first process of consuming a game medium to execute a unit game, a second process of rearranging the symbols 180 every unit game, a third process of awarding a prize based on the symbols 180 rearranged, a fourth process of receiving a bonus game start signal from the host computer 200, a fifth process of executing a bonus game programmed in the host computer 200, a sixth process of transmitting a result of the bonus game to the host computer 200, a seventh process of receiving an incentive signal from the host computer 200, a eighth process of awarding an incentive relating to the incentive signal and a ninth process of transmitting a wager signal relating to an amount of money of a part of the game media consumed in the unit game.

The ROM 42 stores a program such as BIOS (Basis Input/Output System) executed by the main CPU 41, and data that is permanently used. When the BIOS is executed by the main CPU 41, each of peripheral devices is initialized and the game program and the game system program stored in the memory card 53 are read out through the gaming board 50.

The RAM 43 stores the data or program that is used when the CPU main 41 carries out a process. For example, in the RAM 43, the symbol memory 108 and the display symbol memory 107 shown in FIG. 2 are provided in a data area form. The data area of the symbol memory 108 stores the symbols 180 in the data table form shown in FIG. 4. The data area of the display symbol memory 107 stores the symbol matrix including the symbols in rearranging.

The communication interface 44 is provided to communicate with the host computer 200 and the like through the internet communication network 300, which are mounted at the inside or outside of the game arcade. In addition, the motherboard 40 is connected to the main body PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 60 and the door PCB 80 through a USB (Universal Serial Bus). Further, the motherboard 40 is connected to a power unit 45. When power is supplied to the motherboard 40 from the power unit 45, the main CPU 41 of the motherboard 40 is operated and the power is supplied to the gaming board 50 through the PCI bus, so that the CPU 51 is also operated.

The main body PCB 60 and the door PCB 80 are connected to a device or apparatus for producing an input signal that will be inputted to the main CPU 41, and a device or apparatus which is controlled by the control signal outputted from the main CPU 41. The main CPU 41 executes the game program and the game system program stored in the RAM 43, based on the input signal inputted to the main CPU 41 to carry out an arithmetic process, thereby storing a result thereof in the RAM 43 or transmitting a control signal to each device or apparatus to control it.

The main body PCB 60 is connected with a lamp 30, the sub CPU 61, a hopper 66, a coin sensor 67, a graphic board 68, the speaker 29, the touch panel 69, the bill validator 22, the ticket printer 35, the card reader 36, a key switch 38S and the data displayer 37.

The lights-on and out of the lamp 30 is controlled, based on a control signal outputted from the main CPU 41. The sub CPU 61 controls the rotation and stopping of the reels 14 (14L, 14C, 14R). The sub CPU 61 is connected with a motor driving circuit 62 having a FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) 63 and a driver 64. The FPGA 63 is an electronic circuit such as programmable LSI and serves as a control circuit of stepping motors 70. The driver 64 serves as an amplifying circuit of a pulse to be inputted to the stepping motors 70. The motor driving circuit 62 is connected with the stepping motors 70 (70L, 70C, 70R) for rotating the reels 14. The stepping motors 70 are the stepping motors of 1-2 phase excitation manner.

In the invention, the excitation manner of the stepping motor is not particularly limited. For example, 2 phase excitation manner, 1 phase excitation manner may be adopted. In addition, a DC motor may be adopted instead of the stepping motor. When a DC motor is adopted, the sub CPU 61 is sequentially connected with a deviation counter, a D/A converter and a servo amplifier, so that the DC motor is connected to the servo motor. In addition, a rotation position of the DC motor is detected by a rotary encoder and a current rotation position of the DC motor is supplied as data to the deviation counter from the rotary encoder.

In addition, the sub CPU 61 is connected with an index detection circuit 65 and a position change detection circuit 71. The index detection circuit 65 detects the positions (index) of the reels 14 being rotated and can detect the loss of synchronism of the reels 14.

The position change detection circuit 71 detects a change in the stop positions of the reels 14 after the rotation of the reels 14 is stopped. For example, the position change detection circuit 71 detects a change in the stop positions of the reels 14, which is related to a case where the stop positions are changed to make a combination of the symbols which will forcibly be a winning combination by a player even though the combination of the symbols is actually not a winning combination. The position change detection circuit 71 detects, for example fins (not shown) mounted at a predetermined distance in the reels 14, thereby detecting a change of the stop positions of the reels 14.

The hopper 66 is mounted in the cabinet 11 and pays out predetermined number of coins to the coin tray 18 from the coin prize slot 19, based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 41. The coin sensor 67 is mounted in the coin prize slot 19 and outputs an input signal to the main CPU 41 when it detects that the predetermined number of coins are paid out from the coin prize slot 19.

The graphic board 68 controls an image display in the upper image display panel 33 and the lower image display panel 16, based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 41. In addition, the graphic board 68 is provided with a VDP (Video Display Processor) for producing image data on the basis of the control signal outputted from the main CPU 41, a video RAM for temporarily storing the image data produced by the VDP, and the like. Meanwhile, the image data, which is used when the VDP produces the image data, is included in the game program that is read out from the memory card 53 and stored in the RAM 43.

The bill validator 22 reads an image of the bill and accommodates the normal bill in the cabinet 11. In addition, in accommodating the normal bill, the bill validator 22 outputs an input signal to the main CPU 41, based on an amount of the bill. The main CPU 41 stores a game medium-number, which corresponds to the amount of the bill transmitted by the input signal, in the RAM 43.

The ticket printer 35 prints a barcode having data encoded thereto, such as game medium-number stored in the RAM 43, date and time, identification number of the gaming machine 10 and the like, on a ticket, based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 41, thereby outputting the ticket 39 having the barcode.

The card reader 36 reads the data from the smart card to transmit it to the main CPU 41, and writes the data into the smart card, based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 41. The key switch 38S is mounted to the keypad 38, and outputs an input signal to the main CPU 41 when the player manipulates the keypad 38. The data displayer 37 displays the data which is read by the card reader 36 or the data which the player inputs through the keypad 38, based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 41.

The door PCB 80 is connected with the control panel 20, a reverter 21S, a coin counter 21C and a cold cathode tube 81. The control panel 20 is provided with a spin switch 23S corresponding to the spin button 23, a change switch 24S corresponding to the change button 24, a cash out switch 25S corresponding to the cash out button 25, a 1-BET switch 26S corresponding to the 1-BET button 26 and a MAX-BET switch 27S corresponding to the MAX-BET button 27. Each of the switches 23S˜27S outputs an input signal to the main CPU 41 when each of the corresponding buttons 23˜27 is pushed by a player.

The coin counter 21C is mounted in the coin receiving slot 21 and validates whether a coin, which is inserted in the coin receiving slot 21 by the player, is normal or not. A coin except the normal coin is discharged from the coin prize slot 19. In addition, the coin counter 21C outputs an input signal to the main CPU 41 when it detects a normal coin.

The reverter 21S is operated on the basis of the control signal outputted from the main CPU 41 and distributes a coin, which is recognized as a normal coin by the coin counter 21C, to a cash box (not shown) or the hopper 66 mounted in the gaming machine 10. In other words, when the hopper 66 is fully filled with the coins, the normal coin is distributed into the cash box by the reverter 21S. In the mean time, when the hopper 66 is not fully filled with the coins, the normal coin is distributed into the hopper 66. The cold cathode tube 81 functions as a backlight mounted to rear sides of the lower image display panel 16 and the upper image display panel 33 and is turned on, based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 41.

(Electrical Structure of the Host Computer 200)

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an internal structure of the host computer 200 according to an embodiment of the invention. The host computer 200 comprises a CPU 201 as a processor, a ROM 202, a RAM 203 as a temporary memory device, a communication interface 204 and a hard disk drive 205.

The CPU 201 executes a wager calculating process and a bonus game process, which will be described later. The CPU sums up the wager signals received from the respective gaming machines 10, thereby calculating a total sum. When the total sum of the wager reaches a predetermined amount (for example, $1,000), the CPU determines a bonus game start. In addition, based on a game result of the bonus game of each gaming machine 10, the CPU distributes a predetermined amount of wager, thereby determining an incentive (for example, the first rank: $500, the second rank: $300, the third rank: $200).

The communication interface 204 is connected with the communication interface 44 of each gaming machine 10 through the internet communication network 300. The RAM 203 temporarily stores the data of a result of the bonus game received from each gaming machine 10, or data of an incentive to be transmitted to each gaming machine 10, for example. In addition, the ROM 202 stores, for example the system program for controlling an operation of the controller or permanent data. Further, the hard disk drive 205 stores, as a wager, a part of the game media consumed by the gaming machine 10 every unit game.

(Processing Operations of the Gaming Machine 10 and the Host Computer 200)

In the followings, the processes, which are carried out in the gaming machine 10 and the host computer 200, will be described with reference to FIG. 9. The gaming machine 10 carries out a unit game executing process and a bonus game executing process as the main CPU 41 reads out and executes the game program. In the host computer 200, the CPU 201 carries out a total wager amount calculating process and a bonus game executing process.

(Unit Game Executing Process)

The main CPU 41 of the gaming machine 10 periodically carries out a unit game executing process shown in FIG. 10. First, it is determined whether a coin is bet (A1). In this process, it is determined whether it is received an input signal from the 1-BET switch 26S as the 1-BET button 26 is pushed and whether it is received an input signal from the MAX-BET switch 27S as the MAX-BET button 27 is pushed. When the coin is not bet (A1, NO), the step of A1 is re-executed and it is under standby state until a coin is bet.

In the mean time, when the coin is bet (A1, YES), the game medium-number stored in the RAM 43 is subtracted, correspondingly to the number of coins bet (A2). Meanwhile, when the number of coins bet is larger than the game medium-number stored in the RAM 43, it is not carried out the process of subtracting the game medium-number and the step of A2 is re-executed. In addition, when the number of coins bet is above the upper limit (50 pieces in this embodiment) which can be bet per one game, it is not carried out the process of subtracting the game medium-number and a step of A3 is carried out.

Then, it is determined whether the spin button 23 is ON or not (A3). When the spin button 23 is not ON (A3, NO), the process is returned to the step of A1. Meanwhile, when the spin button is not ON (for example, an instruction to terminate the game is inputted while the spin button 23 is not ON), the subtraction result in the step of A2 is cancelled.

In the mean time, when the spin button 23 is ON (A3, YES), a symbol determining process is executed (A4). In other words, a stop symbol determining program stored in the RAM 43 is executed, so that a symbol matrix including the three symbols 180 to be stopped on the payline L is determined. Thereby, a combination of the symbols to be stopped on the payline L is determined.

Then, a reel rotation control process is executed and the reels 14L, 14C, 14R are rotated, so that the symbols 180 of the display windows 15L, 15C, 15R are scroll-displayed as shown in FIG. 3(a) (A5). Meanwhile, the reel rotation control process is to stop (rearrange) the combination determined in the step of A4 on the payline L after the reels 14L, 14C, 14R are scrolled in the arrow direction.

Then, it is determined whether a winning is made, i.e., a combination of the symbols 180 stopped on the payline L is a winning combination (A6). When the combination is a winning combination (A6, YES), a prize is awarded (A7). In other words, it is calculated a prize-number of the coins based on a win of the winning combination. When the coins to be paid out are stored, a predetermined number of the game medium is added to the game medium-number stored in the RAM 43. In the mean time, when the coins are paid out, a control signal is transmitted to the hopper 66, so that a predetermined number of the coins are paid out.

Then, it is determined whether a free game trigger is made as a winning combination (A8). In other words, it is determined whether a combination of “APPLE” is arranged on the payline L. When it is determined that a free game trigger is made (A8, YES), a free game process is executed (A9).

In the step of A6, when the combination is not a winning combination (A6, NO), or when it is determined that a free game trigger is not made (A8, NO), a wager is calculated in accordance with the number of coins bet (A). A wager signal relating to the wager is transmitted to the host computer 200 (A11), so that this routine is ended.

(Bonus Game Executing Process)

In addition, the main CPU 41 of the gaming machine 10 periodically carries out a bonus game executing process shown in FIG. 11. First, it is determined whether a bonus game start signal is received from the host computer 200 (B1). When the bonus game start signal is received (B1, YES), it is determined whether a bonus game is executed or not (B2). When a bonus game is executed (B2, YES), a confirmation result of executing the bonus game is transmitted to the host computer 200 (B3). Then, the bonus game is executed (B4). When the bonus game is ended (B5, YES), a result of the bonus game is transmitted to the host computer 200 (B6).

Then, it is determined whether an incentive signal is received from the host computer 200 (B7). When an incentive signal is received from the host computer 200 (B7, YES), an incentive is awarded, based on the incentive signal (B8). In other words, the coins relating to the incentive is paid out and this routine is ended.

(Total Wager Amount Calculating Process)

First, the CPU 201 of the host computer 200 periodically carries out a total wager amount calculating process shown in FIG. 12. Specifically, it is determined whether a wager signal is received from each gaming machine 10 (C1). When a wager signal is not received (C1, NO), the step of C1 is re-executed and it is under standby state until a wager signal is received. When a wager signal is received (C1, YES), the water relating to the wager signal is summed (C2). Then, when the total amount of the summed wager reaches a predetermined amount (for example, $100) (C3, YES), a bonus game start trigger is made to be ON (C4), the total amount of wager is reset, i.e., made to be $0 (C5), and this routine is ended.

(Bonus Game Process)

In addition, the CPU 201 of the host computer 200 periodically carries out a bonus game process shown in FIG. 13. First, it is determined whether a bonus game start trigger is ON (D1). When a bonus game start trigger is not ON (D1, NO), the step of D1 is re-executed and it is under standby state until the bonus game start trigger becomes ON. When the bonus game start trigger is ON (D1, YES), a bonus game start signal is transmitted to each gaming machine 10 (D2). Then, a confirmation result is secured which shows whether each gaming machine 10 executes a bonus game (D3). When the confirmation results of all the gaming machines 10 are obtained (D3, YES), a result of the bonus game is obtained from the gaming machine 10 having executed the bonus game (D4). When the results of the bonus game are obtained from the gaming machines 10 having executed the bonus game (D4, YES), a predetermined amount of wager is distributed based on the results of the bonus game, so that an incentive to be awarded to each gaming machine is determined (D5). An incentive signal relating to an incentive determined by the step of D5 is transmitted to each gaming machine 10 (D6), so that the bonus game start trigger is made to be OFF (D7) and this routine is ended.

Like this, when the total amount of summed wager relating to an amount of money relating to a part of the game media consumed in the unit game by each gaming machine 10 reaches a predetermined amount, the player carries out the bonus game programmed so that the gaming machine competes with the other gaming machines 10 on an image displayed in the respective display units 101, and is provided with an incentive, based on the result thereof. Thereby, the player can see an image of the competition with the other gaming machines, so that the player has a more interest or concern about the gaming machine. In addition, the player is provided with a new game having a chance to secure an incentive, based on the game media consumed in the unit game, from even the gaming machines with which the player does not play a game. As a result, the player is enabled to have a more interest or concern in or about the gaming machine.

Although the above descriptions have been provided with regard to the characteristic parts so as to understand the invention more easily, the invention is not limited to the embodiments as described above and can be applied to the other embodiments and the applicable scope should be construed as broadly as possible. Furthermore, the terms and phraseology used in the specification have been used to correctly illustrate the invention, not to limit it. In addition, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the other structures, systems, methods and the like included in the spirit of the invention can be derived from the spirit of the invention described in the specification. Accordingly, it should be considered that the invention covers equivalent structures thereof without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims. Further, the abstract is provided so that an intellectual property office and a general public institution or one skilled in the art who is not familiar with patent and legal or professional terminology can quickly analyze the technical features and essences of the invention through a simple investigation. Accordingly, the abstract is not intended to limit the scope of the invention that should be evaluated by the claims. In addition, it is required to sufficiently refer to the documents that have been already disclosed, so as to fully understand the objects and effects of the invention.

The above descriptions include a process that is executed on a computer or computer network. The above descriptions and expressions have been provided so that the one skilled in the art can understand the invention most effectively. In the specification, the respective steps used to induce one result or blocks having a predetermined processing function should be understood as a process having no self-contradiction. In addition, the electrical or magnetic signal is transmitted/received and written in the respective steps or blocks. Although the processes in the respective steps or blocks embody the signal as a bit, value, symbol character, term, number and the like, it should be noted that these have been used for the convenience of descriptions. Further, although the processes in the respective steps or blocks have been often described as an expression common to a human action, the process described in the specification is executed by a variety of devices in principle. In addition, the other structures necessary for the respective steps or blocks are apparent from the above descriptions. 

1. A gaming machine comprising: a display that arranges a plurality of symbols; a communication device that is connected to a host computer in a data communication manner; and a game controller programmed to operate as described in steps of (a)˜(h), wherein the game controller is programmed: (a) to consume a game medium to execute a unit game; (b) to rearrange the symbols every unit game; (c) to award a prize based on a relation of the symbols rearranged; (d) to receive a bonus game start signal from the host computer through the communication device when a predetermined condition is fulfilled; (e) to execute a bonus game programmed in the host computer so that each gaming machine competes with each other; (f) to transmit a result of the bonus game to the host computer through the communication device; (g) to receive an incentive signal about an incentive from the host computer through the communication device, the incentive signal determining the incentive that is awarded to each gaming machine, based on the result of the bonus game in each gaming machine; and (h) to award an incentive relating to the incentive signal.
 2. A gaming machine comprising: a display that arranges a plurality of symbols; a communication device that is connected to a host computer in a data communication manner; and a game controller programmed to operate as described in steps of (a)˜(i), wherein the game controller is programmed: (a) to consume game media to execute a unit game; (b) to rearrange the symbols every unit game; (c) to award a prize based on a relation of the symbols rearranged; (d) to transmit a wager signal to the host computer through the communication device, the wager signal relating to an amount of money of a part of the game media consumed in the unit game; (e) to receive a bonus game start signal from the host computer through the communication device when a total amount of summed wager relating to the wager signal transmitted to the host computer reaches a predetermined amount; (f) to execute a bonus game programmed in the host computer so that each gaming machine competes with each other; (g) to transmit a result of the bonus game to the host computer through the communication device; (h) to receive an incentive signal about an incentive from the host computer through the communication device, the incentive signal determining the incentive that is awarded to each gaming machine by distributing the predetermined amount of wager, based on the result of the bonus game in each gaming machine; and (i) to award an incentive relating to the incentive signal.
 3. A gaming machine comprising: a display that arranges a plurality of symbols and displays an image; a communication device that is connected to a host computer in a data communication manner; and a game controller programmed to operate as described in steps of (a)˜(h), wherein the game controller is programmed: (a) to consume a game medium to execute a unit game; (b) to rearrange the symbols every unit game; (c) to award a prize based on a relation of the symbols rearranged; (d) to receive a bonus game start signal from the host computer through the communication device when a predetermined condition is fulfilled; (e) to execute a bonus game programmed in the host computer so that each gaming machine competes with each other on an image displayed in each display; (f) to transmit a result of the bonus game to the host computer; (g) to receive an incentive signal about an incentive from the host computer through the communication device, the incentive signal determining the incentive that is awarded to each gaming machine, based on the result of the bonus game in each gaming machine; and (h) to award an incentive relating to the incentive, signal.
 4. A gaming machine comprising: a display that arranges a plurality of symbols and displays an image; a communication device that is connected to a host computer in a data communication manner; and a game controller programmed to operate as described in steps of (a)˜(i), wherein the game controller is programmed: (a) to consume game media to execute a unit game; (b) to rearrange the symbols every unit game; (c) to award a prize based on a relation of the symbols rearranged; (d) to transmit a wager signal to the host computer through the communication device, the wager signal relating to an amount of money of a part of the game media consumed in the unit game; (e) to receive a bonus game start signal from the host computer through the communication device when a total amount of summed wager relating to the wager signal transmitted to the host computer reaches a predetermined amount; (f) to execute a bonus game programmed in the host computer so that each gaming machine competes with each other on an image displayed in each display; (g) to transmit a result of the bonus game to the host computer through the communication device; (h) to receive an incentive signal about an incentive from the host computer through the communication device, the incentive signal determining the incentive that is awarded to each gaming machine by distributing the predetermined amount of wager, based on the result of the bonus game in each gaming machine; and (i) to award an incentive relating to the incentive signal.
 5. A playing method of a gaming machine that arranges a plurality of symbols in a display and is connected to a host computer through a communication device in a data communication manner, the method comprising the steps of: (a) consuming a game medium to execute a unit game; (b) rearranging the symbols every unit game; (c) awarding a prize based on a relation of the symbols rearranged; (d) receiving a bonus game start signal from the host computer when a predetermined condition is fulfilled; (e) executing a bonus game programmed in the host computer so that each gaming machine competes with each other; (f) transmitting a result of the bonus game to the host computer; (g) receiving an incentive signal about an incentive from the host computer through the communication device, the incentive signal determining the incentive that is awarded to each gaming machine, based on the result of the bonus game in each gaming machine; and (h) awarding an incentive relating to the incentive signal.
 6. A playing method of a gaming machine that arranges a plurality of symbols in a display and is connected to a host computer through a communication device in a data communication manner, the method comprising the steps of: (a) consuming game media to execute a unit game; (b) rearranging the symbols every unit game; (c) awarding a prize based on a relation of the symbols rearranged; (d) transmitting a wager signal to the host computer through the communication device, the wager signal relating to an amount of money of a part of the game media consumed in the unit game; (e) receiving a bonus game start signal from the host computer through the communication device when a total amount of summed wager relating to the wager signal transmitted to the host computer reaches a predetermined amount; (f) executing a bonus game programmed in the host computer so that each gaming machine competes with each other; (g) transmitting a result of the bonus game to the host computer through the communication device; (h) receiving an incentive signal about an incentive from the host computer through the communication device, the incentive signal determining the incentive that is awarded to each gaming machine by distributing the predetermined amount of wager, based on the result of the bonus game in each gaming machine; and (i) awarding an incentive relating to the incentive signal.
 7. A playing method of a gaming machine that arranges a plurality of symbols in a display and is connected to a host computer through a communication device in a data communication manner, the method comprising the steps of: (a) consuming a game medium to execute a unit game; (b) rearranging the symbols every unit game; (c) awarding a prize based on a relation of the symbols rearranged; (d) receiving a bonus game start signal from the host computer through the communication device when a predetermined condition is fulfilled; (e) executing a bonus game programmed in the host computer so that each gaming machine competes with each other on an image displayed in each display; (f) transmitting a result of the bonus game to the host computer; (g) receiving an incentive signal about an incentive from the host computer through the communication device, the incentive signal determining the incentive that is awarded to each gaming machine, based on the result of the bonus game in each gaming machine; and (h) awarding an incentive relating to the incentive signal.
 8. A playing method of a gaming machine that arranges a plurality of symbols in a display and is connected to a host computer through a communication device in a data communication manner, the method comprising the steps of: (a) consuming game media to execute a unit game; (b) rearranging the symbols every unit game; (c) awarding a prize based on a relation of the symbols rearranged; (d) transmitting a wager signal to the host computer through the communication device, the wager signal relating to an amount of money of a part of the game media consumed in the unit game; (e) receiving a bonus game start signal from the host computer through the communication device when a total amount of summed wager relating to the wager signal transmitted to the host computer reaches a predetermined amount; (f) executing a bonus game programmed in the host computer so that each gaming machine competes with each other on an image displayed in each display; (g) transmitting a result of the bonus game to the host computer through the communication device; (h) receiving an incentive signal about an incentive from the host computer through the communication device, the incentive signal determining the incentive that is awarded to each gaming machine by distributing the predetermined amount of wager, based on the result of the bonus game in each gaming machine; and (i) awarding an incentive relating to the incentive signal.
 9. A gaming system comprising the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and a host computer that is connected to the gaming machine in a data communication manner. 